Finalists for 2008-2009 Excellence in Teaching Award

The Lewis Award Committee has announced the three Finalists for the 2008-2009 Award year. The Finalists are:

Mrs. Susan Goethals teaches 9th and 12th grade Biology at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh. In her twenty-five years as an educator, Mrs. Goethals has held administration and faculty positions in middle and high schools; and she has served on the Cardinal Gibbons faculty for the last seven years. This year Mrs. Goethals has been mentor to a first year teacher who happens to have been a student in her middle school science lab. Mrs. Goethals has received a number of awards and recognitions, is active in her parish and in her community.

Mrs. Diane McGrady has thirty-four years of teaching experience, the last fourteen of which have been as a 1st grade teacher at Cathedral School in Raleigh. She has twice been chosen Teacher of the Year at Cathedral School, had the school yearbook dedicated to her two times, and was a Lewis Award Finalist in the Award’s inaugural year. She was active in her children’s schools, serving on the PTA Board and other school organizations, and has completed the training to be a Master Catechist. Currently she is working with students at the Good Shepherd Soup Kitchen in Raleigh.

Mrs. Amy Reitz has been in teaching for thirteen years, nine of which have been in the Raleigh Diocesan schools. She teaches 2nd grade at St. Mary Magdalene School in Apex. Along with her students, she has been recognized for her efforts on behalf of the Food Bank of NC and the Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh. Among her other activities, Mrs. Reitz teaches faith formation classes, was an advisor to the Student Government Association, has coached a Cheerleading Squad, is a Mentor Teacher, and has been active in technology initiatives in the Raleigh Diocesan schools.